THE gritter lorries are ready and waiting to clear roads as Craven prepares itself for winter.

North Yorkshire County Council says it is well prepared for the harshest of winters, with a budget of more than £6 million, 55,000 tonnes of salt and 20 new gritters for its fleet of 89.

“Dealing with severe winter conditions on such a large network is a complex and expensive operation,” said County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways.

“However, it remains a top priority to keep the county connected and on the move. Our winter service is the best resourced in England and once again we are well prepared.”

There are 2,750 miles (4,400km) of roads in North Yorkshire and priority one routes – about half the total road network – are treated morning and night in freezing conditions.

Priority two routes – about 2,100km - are treated after the priority roads and include local access roads to communities.

In addition to its fleet of gritters, the council has 12 snowblowers for both roads and footways and a network of 130 farmers and other contractors equipped with snowploughs to keep the roads open.

The council is continuing its winter community partnership scheme, which gives parish councils, town councils and other community groups the opportunity to support an enhanced level of maintenance by bringing together volunteers who are willing to take part in clearing snow and treating roads and footways.